DIY Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray

You put on makeup in the morning with the expectation that it will still be there when you go to wash it off at night. But that doesn’t always happen. Especially in hot or humid climates. Using a DIY Makeup Setting Spray will help your makeup stay on and stay put, all day long. 

It gets really hot in North Texas. Hot enough to cause your makeup to slide right off your face. A simple walk to your car could easily mean bye, bye makeup. I’ve played around with different foundations and setting powders, and finally found a combination that can stand up to the Texas heat.

This DIY makeup setting spray is the final step in achieving a long-lasting, matte finish.

Natural Ingredients

Vegetable Glycerin acts as a skin barrier in this recipe. It helps lock in moisture. It is also a great natural emulsifier when mixing essential oils with water. I love using vegetable glycerin in skincare recipes for its ability to hydrate and moisturize the skin.  

Witch hazel is great for minimizing the appearance of pores, while gently tightening the appearance of your skin. It will leave your skin clean and refreshed without over-drying. Witch hazel is a key ingredient in this natural toner recipe.

Essential Oils

I used manuka essential oil in this recipe since I have aging, acne-prone skin. The smell of manuka is quite strong, but truthfully it is more tolerable to me than tea tree. Manuka essential oil is a close cousin to Tea Tree and Kunzea essential oils. It is effective in treating acne and other skin conditions.

There are studies that show that the sesquiterpene compounds in Manuka can help prevent photoaging. If you spend a lot of time outdoors this is an added bonus, especially during the summer months. Even with a quality sunscreen, the additional UV protection makes manuka appealing for my face. 

Manuka and tea tree have very similar properties and uses, but different chemical constituents. Manuka essential oil can always be substituted for tea tree in a recipe, making it a perfect addition to your skincare routine. Get Manuka essential oil here. 

Make a hydrating makeup setting spray with just four ingredients and zero synthetic chemicals!

DIY Makeup Setting Spray

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon distilled water
• 5 drops Manuka essential oil (see substitutions below)
• 1-oz spray bottle
• funnel

Directions

• Combine vegetable glycerin, essential oils, and witch hazel. Add distilled water and stir
• Using a funnel, pour ingredients into a 1-ounce spray bottle. Shake to combine

To Use

• Apply makeup and powder as usual
• Spray 2-3 spritzes to set makeup. Let dry

Recipe Substitutions

Try substituting these essentials oils depending on your skin type or scent preferences:

• Palmarosa – oily skin
• Lavender –  dry, irritated skin
• Elemi – combination skin
• Frankincense – skin imperfections
• Geranium – all skin types
• Ylang Ylang – aging skin

If your skin is on the dry side, you can use aloe vera gel in place of the vegetable glycerin. Aloe vera contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your skin craves.

I also love making this recipe with homemade rose water for an added burst of hydration. It gives your skin a dewy, beachy finish. Simply replace the distilled water with rose water.

More essential oil beauty recipes you might enjoy:

• Foaming Face Wash
• Nighttime Face Serum
• Overnight Moisturizer